Fremont County Joint District #215 | minutes | meeting 2026-06-10 | Teacher Negotiations-Open Session - minutes
source: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031552&MID=5776&T=1

Voting Members
LaDawn Goebel, Teacher
Rachel Thomsen, Teacher
Becky Turpin, Teacher
Dr. Brandon Farris, Superintendent
Jamie Hymas, Human Resources
Dr. David Marotz, Board Clerk

I. Discuss Proposals for the 2026-2027 School Year (Second Meeting)
(1:00 pm) Superintendent Brandon Farris called the meeting to order.



Minutes of 6/1/2026 meeting minutes approved.




Revisit Article 4.

The District reviewed policy and statute and did not find any wording that would allow FEA representation during school hours.



President LaDawn Goebel expressed gratitude for the open negotiations and transparency.  They want to make sure that the Board is aware of the positive relationships and want to continue to foster a good working relationship.  We will continue to work through this legislative challenge.  The FEA is trying to move away from using work emails.  They appreciate the ability to use the facilities.  There are some who have encouraged restoration of rights, but the FEA is not pushing for this at this time.  The District expressed a willingness to work together if there are changes.



Worked together on wording for Article 4.  Agreed to add section 6. Representation.




Summary of Agreements




Salaries.
  Agreed on the same salary schedule as prior year, but allow movement on the Career Ladder.


Insurance.
  Agreed to use the insurance schedule provided by the FEA.  The District will cover the 17% increase.


Article 4.  
Agreed to the wording in the attached document, including the addition of Section 6 Representation.


Article 7. 
 Agreed to remove the Sick Leave Bank portion from the Master Agreement and add to District Policy.  The District will work with teachers to review the policy.  


Article 9.
  Agreed to changes to the committee wording, removal of the insurance amount, and changed the date of coverage cycles.


RIF Policy.  
Teachers will be included in a formal review of the existing policy and procedures as the Board reviews policy revisions and updates this year.  We will consider creating additional forms/documents to facilitate any possible RIF processes.



The FEA will set up a ratification meeting. 

The District will set up a Special Board Meeting to approve if ratified.




Negotiations were concluded at 2:10 pm.




President Goebel requested that the Superintendent work on establishing monthly meeting with the Superintendent.


She recommends bringing in teachers on decisions that directly impact the teachers and seeking input to help with problem-solving and suggestions.
(1:00 pm) Superintendent Brandon Farris called the meeting to order.



Minutes of 6/1/2026 meeting minutes approved.




Revisit Article 4.

The District reviewed policy and statute and did not find any wording that would allow FEA representation during school hours.



President LaDawn Goebel expressed gratitude for the open negotiations and transparency.  They want to make sure that the Board is aware of the positive relationships and want to continue to foster a good working relationship.  We will continue to work through this legislative challenge.  The FEA is trying to move away from using work emails.  They appreciate the ability to use the facilities.  There are some who have encouraged restoration of rights, but the FEA is not pushing for this at this time.  The District expressed a willingness to work together if there are changes.



Worked together on wording for Article 4.  Agreed to add section 6. Representation.




Summary of Agreements




Salaries.
  Agreed on the same salary schedule as prior year, but allow movement on the Career Ladder.


Insurance.
  Agreed to use the insurance schedule provided by the FEA.  The District will cover the 17% increase.


Article 4.  
Agreed to the wording in the attached document, including the addition of Section 6 Representation.


Article 7. 
 Agreed to remove the Sick Leave Bank portion from the Master Agreement and add to District Policy.  The District will work with teachers to review the policy.  


Article 9.
  Agreed to changes to the committee wording, removal of the insurance amount, and changed the date of coverage cycles.


RIF Policy.  
Teachers will be included in a formal review of the existing policy and procedures as the Board reviews policy revisions and updates this year.  We will consider creating additional forms/documents to facilitate any possible RIF processes.



The FEA will set up a ratification meeting. 

The District will set up a Special Board Meeting to approve if ratified.




Negotiations were concluded at 2:10 pm.




President Goebel requested that the Superintendent work on establishing monthly meeting with the Superintendent.


She recommends bringing in teachers on decisions that directly impact the teachers and seeking input to help with problem-solving and suggestions.